Bob McKenzie disscusses battles to make the Canadian team for the WJC:
http://www.tsn.ca/world-junior-selec...ps-up-1.907378
He has Dube as the only lock for LW (which is no surprise). Phillips battling with Tippet, Suzuki, Lind, etc for one of 2 RW spot after the locks of Raddysh and Kyrou:
Quote:
The battle for right wing positions could be particularly heated. Beyond Raddysh and Kyrou, strong challenges are expected to be mounted from Tippett, if he's made available, and Vegas Golden Knight prospect Nick Suzuki of the Owen Sound Attack. Diminutive (5-foot-7, 155 pounds) Calgary Flames prospect Matthew Phillips of the Victoria Royals has been dynamic and prolific this season in the WHL and will get a long look, as will Vancouver Canuck prospect Kole Lind of Kelowna, Montreal Canadien prospect Will Bitten of the Hamilton Bulldogs and Florida Panther prospect Adam Mascherin of the Kitchener Rangers.
On the left side, beyond Dube, the competition appears wide open. Vancouver prospect Jonah Gadjovich of Owen Sound, Tampa prospect Boris Katchouk of the Soo Greyhounds, Ottawa prospect Alex Formenton of the London Knights and St. Louis prospect Tanner Kaspick of Brandon are all viable candidates. Technically, so are Edmonton Oiler prospect Tyler Benson of the Vancouver Giants and Detroit Red Wing prospect Givani Smith of the Guelph Storm, although injuries have hampered them greatly. Benson has played in only four games this season; Smith has yet to play because of a high-ankle sprain.
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